No matter how much rest you take, do you still feel drained? Even after 9 hours of sound sleep, if you feel fatigue and stress, then the problem can be more than what you have imagined. There can be iron deficiency — one of the key minerals that keeps the body moving with energy through the day.
When The CSR Journal team contacted Dr. Himanshi Jain, a medicine specialist, she confirmed that iron deficiency is a very common reason behind the symptoms and is mistaken for tiredness or burnout.
What does low iron do to your body?
The mineral iron boosts haemoglobin in the body — this carries oxygen through one’s blood. When the level of iron drops, the body isn’t able to make enough healthy red blood cells, and thus the amount of oxygen reaching muscles and organs reduces, leading to fatigue, weakness, and even dizziness. Women with obesity, heavy periods, pregnancy and vegans are especially at risk, she noted. “If such signs are ignored, then it can lead to anaemia, turning skin pale, hands and feet cold, and in extreme cases there can be craving for ice,” she adds.
Can fatigue and tiredness be fixed?
The good thing is that it can be fixed, shared Dr. Himanshi, “One needs to eat enough iron-rich foods such as lentils, spinach and, if non-vegetarian, then red meat, and even take supplements after doctor’s consultation.” One can even add some oranges and lemon juice to meals to make the absorption of iron better in the body.
